The International Labour Organization is recruiting a National Project Officer in Pretoria, South Africa, for a one-year contract supporting skills development and vocational education across Africa. Apply by 6 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is inviting applications for a National Project Officer based in Pretoria, South Africa. The position supports the Opportunity-Driven Skills and Vocational Education and Training in Africa (OP-VET) programme, which aims to connect skills development with employment opportunities across the continent.
The successful candidate will support coordination between the ILO, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), regional organisations, governments and programme partners.
The position is offered on a one-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension, subject to funding, operational requirements and satisfactory performance.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | International Labour Organization (ILO) |
| Job title | National Project Officer |
| Location | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Grade | NOA |
| Contract type | Fixed-term |
| Contract duration | 1 year, with possible extension |
| Job ID | 13842 |
| Minimum experience | 2 years |
| Application deadline | 6 November 2026 |
| Salary | Not specified in the supplied vacancy |
| Official application | ILO Careers |
Tasks and Responsibilities
The National Project Officer will help coordinate OP-VET activities across its five programme pillars. Responsibilities include tracking implementation progress, maintaining programme records, preparing reports and supporting communication among implementing partners.
The role also involves organising technical meetings and workshops, documenting decisions, sharing good practices and contributing to the implementation of African skills and vocational education policy frameworks.
The successful candidate will help promote collaboration between regional and national stakeholders while supporting gender equality, inclusion and non-discrimination throughout programme activities.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must have a first-level university degree, such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, in international development or relations, political science, education, vocational education and training, public policy, project or programme management, social sciences, or another relevant field.
Candidates must also have at least two years of professional experience in programme or project coordination, development cooperation, skills development, vocational education and training, employment promotion or a related area.
Experience working with government institutions, regional organisations, development partners, UN agencies or African Union institutions would be an advantage. Applicants should demonstrate strong communication, organisational, reporting and analytical skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
The vacancy is open to eligible internal and external candidates, subject to the specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria for National Officer positions. Applicants should review the official vacancy for the applicable language requirements.
Additional Information
Applications must be submitted online through the ILO recruitment system by 6 November 2026.
How to apply: Visit the official ILO Careers website, search for vacancy DC/PRETORIA/NO/2026/01 or Job ID 13842, and follow the online application instructions.
The ILO states that it does not charge application, interview, processing or training fees. Applicants should use official ILO recruitment channels and disregard suspicious requests for payment or bank account details.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ILO National Project Officer role about?
The role supports coordination and implementation of the OP-VET programme, which promotes skills development and vocational education linked to employment opportunities across Africa.
2. Where is the position based?
The position is based in Pretoria, South Africa, with work involving coordination with regional and continental programme partners.
3. How long is the contract?
The advertised contract is for one year, with a possibility of extension depending on funding, operational needs and performance.
4. What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, including development, education, public policy, social sciences or programme management.
5. How much work experience is required?
At least two years of relevant professional experience is required.
6. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 6 November 2026.
7. How can candidates apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the official ILO Careers website.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity may suit development professionals with experience in programme coordination, vocational education, skills development and regional partnerships. It offers a chance to contribute to an Africa-wide initiative linking skills training with employment and economic development.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the ILO and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should confirm eligibility and application details through the official ILO recruitment system.
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